LA STORIA
CREATING THE STUFF OF DREAMS
His story inspired us, two big Dutch boys, to persevere, follow our passion and fulfill our dreams. Since 2020, we have therefore been fantasizing, drawing, erasing, starting over and creating in our own studio in The Netherlands.
The result is a growing collection of unique practical art objects. Our desks not only reflect our passion for mechanical engineering, design, history, racing and all objects that are set in motion by an engine, but above all, they tell iconic stories. All desks are manufactured to order and in limited numbers under the name Ultimo Parri.
Having always been the nerdy but jovial know-it-alls that we are today, we both grew up pursuing our quite disparate areas of interest. Trying hard not to compromise our rather atypical scopes in a somewhat narrower focused society, meant exploring how to adjust our paths and still retain sufficient fulfillment. Both on our own rocky roads through academic and professional trial-and-error, our paths coincidentally crossed in 2004. It wouldn’t take long to discover the rare comfort of like-mindedness. This unlikely encounter sparked a mutual sympathy that evolved over the years into a lasting friendship.
FIRST SPARKS
Sharing our passion for cars, mechanical engineering, industrial design, history, language and culture, we embarked on numerous road trips. Exploring some of Europe’s fascinating historic sites, stunning roads, epic car collections and (classic-) motoring events, we gradually discovered the world of automobilia. Although in accordance with our annoying pedanticism, we were however quite surprised by the superficial standard regarding design throughout this market. We couldn’t understand why no one had taken advantage of this obvious opportunity. Convinced that in fact the bar was set so dramatically low, that it was even low enough for us, we decided to put our money where our mouth is and give it a try.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The first idea for a mechanically adjustable, motorsport-inspired desk emerged in 2011. We started sketching, designing and engineering on occasional evenings and weekend days, trying to somehow materialize the idea. Despite the growing confidence in our concept, our perfectionism and the lack of time eventually turned the weeks into months and months into years. Fortunately for us, there was still no one else who had really seized the opportunity either…
REVVING 'UP'
In 2018, realizing we had to up the ante, we decided to take the plunge and go for it.
The first design was parked, and we started fresh with some brand-new design ideas within the given concept. Investing more of our own time and money in it, we forged a solid plan and put our backs into it. Working in our own studio, slowly but steadily several desk designs finally started to take shape. All designs were completely different in every single way. But each of them inspired by one of many fantastic motorsport icons, telling the unique story of their era.
So, there we were, we created a concept and designed it. That’s all well and good, but what’s next?
SHIFTING INTO GEAR
Well, to actually produce our designs, required a more serious business approach. To dedicate ourselves to this next step, we decided in 2020 to make Ultimo Parri a business. With this fulltime commitment we managed to further professionalize our company. We were fortunate enough to meet and partner up with some equally passionate (and nerdy) craftsmen, artisans and technicians, all with outstanding skills, but above all wonderful people. They all helped to create the firm foundations of Ultimo Parri, making us ready to face…uhm well, rather just dim the trashy limelight by our shit hitting the fan like a bloody blowtorch!
Hessel
Roel